Thursday 2 April 2015

The Best of British Cottages with the BBC Series "Poldark": Part One

The eight-part series Poldark has been another smash hit for the BBC, with the eight-part series currently halfway through its run. It is based on the first two novels in the historical series written by Winston Graham, which is set in the late 18th-century.

One of the most striking features of the series has been the gorgeous backdrops and filming locations. With the story set in a colourful historical era in the depths of Cornwall, the Cornish landscapes have beautifully enhanced the drama as the story unfolds.

The village of St Agnes and the seaside resort of Perranporth on the north Cornish coast are two of the locations used in the series. The former is a large village with a wealth of history that was also the home of Poldark’s author Winston Graham. The St Agnes Heritage Coast is a protected area with an abundance of wildlife while the surrounding area includes many archaeological sites.

Hayne Cottage
Helpful Holidays has a number of quaint English cottages to rent in the area, including a gorgeous detached cottage Hayne Cottage in the hamlet of Rose, just a mile away from Perranporth. The area offers the opportunity to play golf and go pony trekking. Alternatively, you can walk down to Perranporth over natural sand dunes and go surfing on the famous Cornish waves. The cottage includes a spacious private garden with a picnic table and barbecue, as well all mod cons and space for up to six guests. Original details including a large woodburner, narrow beams and staircases, which give the cosy cottage a real sense of character.

Many of Poldark’s scenes were filmed in and around Helston – a town and civil parish 12 miles east of Penzance. The small market town is famous for being the most southerly town in the UK, and its picturesque town centre is and quintessentially British - home to stone sculpted buildings and traditional pubs. As the second oldest town in Cornwall, the most narrow of the ancient streets are just large enough to fit a wheelbarrow! The town is a hub of activity year-round, with weekly markets, a boating lake, bespoke shopping and an assortment of quaint restaurants and teahouses. The colourful Flora Day celebrations to welcome the spring season take place every May and see the town covered in flowers and foliage.

Withy Barn
Just outside Helston, in the hamlet of Coverack Bridges, there is a lovely place to stay. A former 19th century barn, the three-bedroom home has been converted into a modern, smart cottage Withy Barn , close to Helston’s theme park and swimming pool, as well as the seal sanctuary at Gweek and the lagoon at Loe Pool. The cottage itself features an expansive garden above the banks of the River Cober and the local area is a lovely place to hike and enjoy Cornwall’s coastline. The Gunwalloe Church Cove near Helston was another filming location for Poldark and its sandy beaches, views and attractive pub are within easy reach of the property.


Hallowarren Barn
Keen Poldark viewers may recognise Lizard  Point – a National Trust location on the southern tip of the Lizard Peninsula that has been featured in the series. This beautiful sight is located just outside Landewednack, a sleepy hamlet within Lizard Village that is home to a picturesque parish church made from local serpentine stone. Helpful Holidays has two cottages in Manaccan – a pretty village further up the peninsula and nine miles from Helston. One of the cottages Hallowarren Barn is truly beautiful and like something out of a fairytale. Converted from an 18th century barn, it features original detail including low lintels, knobbly walls and beams. The property overlooks acres of award-winning gardens and woodland, while the beach at St Anthony-in-Meneage is just a mile away and you can hire a boat for a day trip.

Tregwynne
Poldark tells the story of title character, Ross Poldark, who returns to the Cornish tin mines after serving time in the army. The Helston & Poldark Mine in Trenear is one of Cornwall’s most important heritage sites and was once a location of significant industrial activity. This mine features in the Poldark series and you can find Tregwynne in the nearby area of Rinsey Cove. The hamlet of Rinsey features a series of granite cottages, and this semi-detached 19th-century home is situated just minutes from the coast path and the beach. It features a large conservatory, warm atmosphere and gorgeous views in an enviable Cornish location.